Hamburg 2026/27 season preview: After Bundesliga survival, can Merlin Polzin’s charges take the next step?
After battling for their Bundesliga return for seven seasons, it was paramount that Hamburg stayed up last season, and they did so. Now, with a few new additions, Merlin Polzin will be hoping his players can improve on a solid foundation.
Hamburg
2025/26 finish: 13th
Pre-season results: 3-2 loss vs. Rapid Vienna, 3-1 win vs. Heidenheim, 2-1 loss vs. Everton, 2-2 draw vs. Lille, 2-1 win vs. Toulouse
First three fixtures: Borussia Dortmund (A), Mainz (H), RB Leipzig (A)
What to expect
Having secured survival by nine points in the end, Hamburg will be hoping to improve upon their 13th-placed finish. However, that may prove tough given arguably their two most influential players, Luka Vušković and Fábio Vieira, have not returned to the north of Germany following the completion of their loan spells.
Despite this, there is optimism that the new faces that the club have brought in can produce enough for another successful season. Such optimism was made apparent in the Red Shorts' pre-season campaign, where Polzin's new-look side already looked a cohesive unit, losing just one of their preparatory friendlies against Everton.
The 35-year-old head coach placed particular emphasis on intensity, pressing, and transitional play over the summer, working on high‑tempo drills as well as pressing and patterns of transition across the entire pitch during their training camps.
The idea is for Hamburg to remain a side that puts opponents under pressure early and attacks quickly after winning the ball back, which was something of a defining trait they want to carry into their second Bundesliga season, despite the wholesale changes in personnel.
See all of Hamburg's summer comings and goings here
Key new signing: Patson Daka
The departures of Vušković and Vieira weren't the only ones which left sizeable gaps in Hamburg's side that needed filling. HSV also lost two big names in attack in Robert Glatzel (Wolfsburg) and Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer (Mainz). In their stead, 27-year-old Zambia international Daka - signed from Leicester City - has been tasked with leading the Hamburg line.
Daka brings both international experience and a different striker profile to those Hamburg have opted for in recent years. A veritable speedster, the former Red Bull Salzburg forward is one who thrives on exploiting space, making runs in behind, and stretching defences, as opposed to looking to bring teammates in with strong hold-up play.
With Daka's pace, expect to see a more dynamic, direct, and counter-attacking Hamburg outfit in 2026/27.
Key player: Albert Grønbæk
After enjoying a successful spell on loan from Rennes last season, the Dane has opted to make the permanent switch to the Hanseatic city. The attacking midfielder already hinted last term that his quality can make a real difference for Polzin's side, but now he is expected to take on a more prominent role in Hamburg’s attacking play.
Comfortable operating as the linchpin between Hamburg's midfield and attack, Grønbæk brings technique, creativity, and an unpredictable edge to his game, which Polzin will no doubt be hoping will provide the perfect accompaniment to Daka's incisive style of play.
Check out Hamburg's new jerseys for 2026/27
Grønbæk's class came to the fore in Hamburg's competitive season opener, as the Dane netted a brace in the Red Shorts' 3-0 DFB Cup first-round victory away at Verl, suggesting the No.11 is ready to push on in the upcoming Bundesliga campaign.
Talking point
The last two summer transfer windows have seen a major squad overhaul take place at HSV. Now, only seven players remain from the team that won promotion from Bundesliga 2 in 2024/25.
And while few are doubting the quality that the likes of Daka, Bilal Nadir and Martin Adeline will bring to Volksparkstadion this season, all three players are new to German football. If they can quickly adapt to the unique demands of the Bundesliga, Hamburg fans could be in for a very fun season indeed. HSV's season kicks off with a daunting trip to Borussia Dortmund on Matchday 1.
Follow Hamburg's Bundesliga opener against Dortmund here!
